The second annual Remember My Name Ball hosted by Debbie Allen and conceived with Jack Mizrahi and playwright Jordan E. Cooper manifested on August 16, at the Rhimes Performing Arts Center in South L.A. Patrons witnessed legends and emerging icons of Ballroom culture deliver dynamic artistry on the runway through dance and rhythmic movement with Black bodies that were opulently adorned.
Lee Daniels, responsible for the only role resulting in an Oscar for best actress to a Black actor so far, sat adjacent to the runway only a few feet away from competing performers. He was flanked on each side in a row that included Hollywood rainmakers, actors, influencers and LGBT activists.
Daniels and this row of insiders watched competitors pass by enroute to their evaluation across the categories of “face, vogue, runway, best dressed, and sex siren.” Performers proceeded to the spot where they would stand before our beloved Ms. Debbie Allen, and her celebrity guests on the judges panel.
The assemblage of celebrity judges included Tina Knowles, Billy Porter, Lena Waithe, Jordan E Copper, and Wayne Brady. The judges also walked the runway upon introduction and were the main attraction for many patrons. They did not disappoint. It was exciting to watch Allen and Knowles who silently conferred and exchanged glances with each other as we sat in suspense of the decision.
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The celebrity judges delivered more than scores. Their reactions, often captured on a large screen above the runway, ranged from curious to ecstatic, with surprise, laughter, and ovations along the way. Performers were asked multiple times to avoid getting on top of the judge’s table. To our collective delight, they did not listen.
Jack Mizrahi and Dashaun “Basquiat” Wesley were the real-time commentators who not only moved the program along, but they were also vocal musicians. They provided spoken percussive cues to dancers who kicked, landed splits, and flexed poses on the beats they provided. With their voices, they led the call-and-response that not only directed and uplifted the performers on the runway, but compelled vibrant participation from the audience and judges alike. They spoke the body electric.
Between the competition segments that rendered ruptures of excitement, Allen glided onto the runway to soothe our senses and cleanse our ocular pallets before consuming more. In those segways she introduced Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) dancers who then rendered performances with breathtaking beauty and the highest possible expertise. Notable figures spotted in the crowd with eyes of admiration included actor/comedian Kym Whitley and Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo.
To seal the occasion with honor, Allen also called our attention to Lee Daniels. She spoke about him and his many accomplishments. Then she faced him, looked him in the eyes, and spoke to him directly to culminate with, “We remember your name.” Daniels accepted the honor and reflected on his teen years when he was involved in Ballroom culture. With great solemnity, he explained that he had not attended a ball competition since then because he had lost so many of his friends from that era. He commented on the difference between those days, and the contemporary presence of ballroom in popular culture.
Commenting on Daniels’ reflection and participation in Ballroom culture, social activist Dante M. Taylor, a Ballroom insider representing the organization United By Equity remarked, “this demonstrates the everlasting influence and contributions of Ballroom culture, often without acknowledgement.” He also suggests that “This previously underground world has contributed to all facets of American life. Typically, these faces are Black and Brown. All too often (their stories are) sacrificed for the larger Black movements.”
Taylor warns against Ballroom culture and participants being excluded from conversations of Black life that are “political, social, and economic.” Taylor’s insight helps us understand that for a community of Black performers who regularly encounter injustice because of race, sex, sexuality and economic status, Ballroom gatherings can be a form of glamorous resistance.
Daniels shared much more than his personal history with patrons that night. Audiences got an early viewing of footage from his next film: Deliverance. The entire space burst into cheers and high frequency affirmations at the sight and sound of the film’s star, Monique. The reunion we had been hoping for between Lee Daniels and Monique had indeed taken place. Not only did the film clip resonate because it constitutes reunification and reconciliation – a key pillar for Black love. But Monique was absolutely stunning – and chilling – in her delivery. The film is fire. Lee reminded us of why Monique, following Halle Berry, is the second Black woman to win an Oscar in a film that Lee produced.
Another surprise that evening came at the end of the audience competition series. Fashion forward audience members – some who volunteered and others who were actively recruited – took turns walking for the judges. The last woman standing, taking the audience trophy in the fashion category was a woman of youthful appearance who dawned all white with rhinestone accents. As she accepted her trophy, Jack Mizrahi revealed the identity of the slim beauty for those unaware by listing a few of her credits. She wrote “Man in the Mirror” on the Michael Jackson’s “Bad” Album, and sang with him on the duet “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You.” As Mizrahi ended the impromptu tribute, the large room exploded with applause, cheers, and voluminous praise following the words, “Siedah Garrett, we remember your name.”
The final revelation of the evening might not have been a surprise to those who follow Ballroom culture or watch popular relativity television. The House of Miyake-Mugler, featured in the show “Legendary” on HBO+ as well as the series “House on Fire,” took home the ultimate prize.
Also, Dashaun “Basquiat” Wesley teaches adult-only Vogue classes at Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) on Wednesday nights. To learn more, visit www.debbieallendanceacademy.com for more information.
